Signs of Sexual Abuse

February 13, 2018

Sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes against children. Many different terms are used to describe sexual abuse including molestation, rape, and assault, but not all sexual abuse involves touching or sexual contact. Using children to film pornography or indecent exposure of genitals to a child are also forms of sexual abuse.

Prevention

Every parent’s nightmare is that their child falls victim to a sexual predator. To prevent sexual abuse from happening, parents must be vigilant in monitoring their children’s activities and who their children spend time with.

It is important to investigate an organization or activity before signing up. Ask if there is a policy against a child being left alone with a single adult. This should never be the case. Show up to observe activities and make your presence known as predators often target lonely and seemingly neglected children.

Be wary of adults that exhibit tendencies of wanting to spend time alone with a child. They may claim to be nurturing a special relationship, but it is also a sign of predatory grooming. Adults who break household rules such as giving candy against the parents’ wishes or letting a child have fun doing things that are not allowed in secret are also creating situations that no one is supposed to know about. Your child should always be able to tell you everything with full trust. Open lines of communication are crucial to being able to protect your child.

Recognizing Signs of Sexual Abuse

A child who is being abused may exhibit signs of stress, however, sudden changes of behavior could also be due to other sources such as a death in the family, divorce, or other anxiety inducing event. If your child shows more than one or many of the following signs, you should talk to your child and investigate further.

Small children may

Have nightmares and sleep issues

Revert to younger child behaviors such as bed wetting or thumb-sucking

Have new words for their private parts

Be reluctant to remove their clothing for bathing or bed time

Want to play sexual games with other children or with their toys

Have soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training

Older children may

Suddenly have access to pocket money, new toys, or gifts

Have trouble eating and sleeping

Have sudden mood swings including rage and fear, or seem insecure and withdrawn

Think of their own bodies as repulsive or bad

Hints at topics that could provoke a discussion about sexual issues

Have a sudden new fear of certain people or places

Refer to a new older friend

Dream, draw or write about scary or sexual images

Teenagers traumatized by sexual abuse may also

Cut or burn themselves

Become sexually promiscuous

Run away from home

Become depressed or suicidal

Abuse drugs or alcohol

Exhibit sudden changes in appearance and grooming

A child can never consent to sexual activity. Filing a civil claim may seem as if it prolongs the trauma for the victim, but in fact holding abusers accountable can be a healing process. It puts the power back in the victim’s court and shows they are not helpless.

Contact a Delaware Sexual Abuse Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. if You Suspect a Child Has Been Abused

A Message to Our Clients About Coronavirus COVID-19

At Jacobs Crumplar, P.A., we view the safety and well-being of our clients, staff and business partners as our highest priority.

The situation regarding the COVID-19 virus is continually changing, and we are following all recommended guidelines to stay healthy.

Currently, our law firm remains open for business to serve your legal needs. We are, however, working remotely (i.e. our physical Millsboro and Wilmington offices are not open) and will be operating during normal business hours.

We are happy to arrange for phone or video consultations should you have any concerns about keeping your scheduled appointments with us. We are also able to exchange documents via secure drives or email.

Should you have any concerns regarding an upcoming meeting with us, please contact us online or call our office at 302-656-5445.